The legendary metal of Atlantis, orichalcum, has been found in a 2,600-year-old shipwreck off the coast of Sicily. Discovered near the shore in shallow water, it appears that the boat sank in a storm before it could dock at the ancient port of Gela.

Lisbon -
Zinc is essential for plant growth and development, but if too much of the metal are present in the soil, it can become toxic to the plant. Researchers have discovered a novel genetic mechanism that protects plants from toxic zinc levels.

London -
Copper prices hit Tuesday their lowest in nearly four years on the London Metals Exchange over fears of a slowdown in growth in China, the world's top consumer of industrial metals.The price of a tonne of copper hit $6,469.75 at 1700 GMT, its lowest le...

Brussels -
Human rights activists on Wednesday said European efforts to stop the trade in so-called "blood metals" were a "step backwards" that would not prevent profits from minerals being used to fund conflicts.

San Francisco -
Apple on Thursday said it has verified that an essential metal used in its mobile devices is not coming from sources that help finance violent groups in Africa.The California-based maker of iPhones, iPads, iPods, and Macintosh computers said it confirm...

Z -
Mining giant Glencore Xstrata said on Tuesday that its copper production rose by 26 percent in 2013 from output the previous year, reaching 1.5 million tonnes.Copper is a key measure of the health of the commodities sector, and the Swiss-based group sa...

Jakarta -
A drawn-out row between the Indonesian government and the mining industry over a mineral export ban has added to growing uncertainty in Southeast Asia's top economy ahead of elections, observers warn.

Bogor -
Indonesia's president signed off on a controversial mineral ore export ban Saturday after an 11th-hour easing of the policy following opposition from miners and warnings it would hit state coffers, cabinet ministers said.

While I'm aware that today's world can no longer function without the infrastructure made of concrete, stone, metal - there's always a tiny leap of joy that makes me reach for the camera when I see nature breaking through stone -- against all odds.

New York -
Ghanaian artist El Anatsui is enjoying his first solo exhibition at a New York Museum. His artwork is constructed from found materials, and offers a thoughtful commentary on his homeland as well as the cultural implications of reclaimed materials.

A voluntary recall has been issued by Annie's Inc. for some of its organic pizza products. The reason for the recall is due to the potential presence of metal fragments that came from a third-party flour mill.

Baker City -
Most people know of a special little place where they can escape for a few hours to enjoy great food, local vintage wine, and admire beautiful works of art. In Baker City, Oregon, that place is called Earth & Vine.

Ian Astbury has fronted The Cult, one of rock and roll’s biggest bands, for close to three decades. But he’s not your typical headbanger. The Cult’s latest album offers a myriad of cultural references while unapologetically rocking out.

Gallium, a unique metal with odd physical properties and behavior, is almost like a product of an alien technology. There is even an experiment called the "gallium beating heart" experiment in which the metal acts like an alien being.

Oak Ridge -
Researchers have developed a new type of fishing hook combining shark repellent technologies designed for helping reduce the number of sharks caught in commercial fishing operations, thereby increasing target catches.

Roseville -
An Australian family thought their dog had only swallowed a bite of meat when he took something from the edge of their barbecue, but they later found out the spaniel had also swallowed a 15 centimetre metal skewer.